I've been a fan of the Leafs for 50 years. I was there at MLG in 1967 when they last played in the SC finals. This team is the best one that I have ever seen. They are now only 5 points out with 7 games left. That gives them 14 more points to finish the season. Boston will be lucky if they win 2 or 3 more games. It's looking like we may have a first round Leafs-Habs series. It doesn't really matter who they play though, nothing is going to stop them from going all the way.
Buddy from Cape Breton, 2008-03-22 12:27:55

The really sad thing is, George Gross won't be around to see them if and when they do ever get back into playoff territory. He died today at 85.

To put things into perspective, he was 44 the last time they hoisted the Cup.
George O'Leary, 2008-03-21 17:52:14

a little poem for all you leaf lovers..

its saturday night the leafs are done

get out your golf clubs enjoy the sun

put in tee, set on the ball

see ya boys in the fall...gotta love it
willy, 2008-03-20 15:16:51

Nice, articulate post Jon. So refreshing to see an opinion expressed without the insults.

I agree that, with time and patience, the Leafs will eventually climb back into contention. But from my vantage point it will take more than 1 or 2 seasons given the hole dug for them by JFJ with those bloated contracts to the wrong people. As for the draft, the higher they go in the standings, the lower the pick of course, and aside from perhaps the first 5 or 6 in this year's draft, nobe are impact players, nor will any be able to step into the NHL before some significant time in the minors.

Trading McCabe would help free up much-needed cash within the cap to pursue some better UFAs, as would getting someone to take the contracts of Blake, Tucker, Kubina, Raycroft. But that's the sticker. Who's dumb enough to take on those lengthy contracts when there are better UFAs coming on the market this summer and next. Take a look at this year's list of UFAs by Googling 2008 nhl unrestricted free agents.

Also bear in mind that, like the Leafs, many teams are already brushing up against the cap and so have limited funds to spare, while a bunch of others have no intention (nor have they ever had any) to spend even close to the cap.

It's going to be a long, slow, painful process.
George O'Leary, 2008-03-20 10:51:45

Most of you say that us Leaf fans are nuts, crazy, and psycho for loving the Leafs. Yeah they're down in a slump right now, and have been for about two years now. Though when you choose your team you stick with them. Look at all of the times in the past that the Leafs have gone through slumps exactly like this. Then look at the following seasons after that slump, they played great. It's the times coming out of a slump that Leafs have won most of thier cup titles.

Posicle Pete, the Sens are going to go into a slump such as this sooner or later, and you'll be at the bottom of the food chain with them such as we are for the time being. I won't critisize you, tell you that your a lunatic for liking the Sens. Because I now that they'll just come right back with a few excellent seasons such as this year and last.

To be honest, I bleed blue and white with of the best of them, although I also like the Sens (not nearly as much as the Leafs). In fact I was going for the Sens in the playoffs last year.

I mean I'm sure that most of the Leafs and Sens players are pretty close because they see eachother alot. Go out to bars for a drink after the game. They don't call eachother crazy or nuts (or at least not of the ice), so why should you. If your a fan of the Sens why not act like one.

So what I'm trying to say is that the Leafs are going to eventually come back strong, maybe not this year, but with the draft picks we have, we should be able to come out with a fairly solid season next year. And McCabe will probably be dealt in July or preseason which would be good.

Jon Gray, 2008-03-19 21:51:49

"Buddy from Cape Breton" never ceases to make me laugh. I hope you didn't overpay for that plane ticket to Toronto.
Popsicle Pete, 2008-03-19 18:48:18

Deerhanter and Buddy,it must pee you off alot when our Leafs win.Well if your so against Leafs and their fans don't follow them and don't pay attention.Go shoot some deer and take Buddy with you and you can dis each other.
John B, 2008-03-19 17:23:13